Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1887-07-14
The Epstie Of President Cleveland to the
G. A. R. Boys.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,

washington, u. G.. July 1, 1887
Hem DarM Il. Francis. Mayor and Chair
man
Ny Dear When / received the ex-
tremely cordial and gratifying invitation
from the citizens of ST. Louis rendered by
number of her representative men, to
visit that city during the National Encamp-
mcnt of the Grand Army of the Republic,
| had been contemplating for some time
the acceptance of an invitation from that
organization to the same effect, and had
considered the pleasure which it would af
ford me if it should be possible to meet
not only members of the Grand Army, but
the people of ST Louis and other cities in
the West which the occasion would give
me an opportunity to visit.
The exactons Of my public duties | felt
To- he 50 unctr tain, however. that, when
iir>t confronted by the delegation Of which
YOU were the head. expected 10 do no
more Al that time than Ia promise the con
sidcratiuu of the double invitation tender
ed ne and express the pleasure IT would
give me to accept the same thereafter If
possible.
But the cor,lality AMI sincerity Of your
presentation. reinforced by the hcartinc>>
of the people who seconded You. 80 i'm
ing which prompted me to assure you on
the spot that would hc with you and the
Grand Army of the Republic at the time
designated, if nothing happened IN the
meantime to absolutely prevent my leaving
Washington.
Immediately upon the public announce
mcnt of this conclusion. expressions cna-
mating from certain important members of
the Grand Army Of the Republic. increa>-
fuy i'm volume and ,irulencc, constrained
lac to review my acceptance of these invi-
tAtion> The expressions referred 10 GO 20
the. extent If declaring that | would hc an
uuwelcomc guest ~ the time and place Of
the National Encampmcnt
This statement j. based. A. well a. can
Judge upon certain official ari> of mine.
uvoI, M important public interests, done
under the restraints and obligations OF my
oath of Office which do not appear to &c
cord " lth I'll, wishes Of some members Of
'hc Grand Army If the Republic
/ refuse Ia believe that this organization.
founded upon patriotic ideas composed
very largely of men entitled To lasting
honor and consideration and whose crow IL
be-. glory 1t should Dee that this are Amer
loan citizens A. well n veteran soldiers
deems il a part Of IL mission Ia compass
any object nr purpose hy attempting - i'm
tjiUiistc the executive or c",rrc those
. charged with making and executing laws
And fli, expressions 10 which have re-
i,rred indicate such a prevalence Of I'M
friendly feeling and such a menace I" an
occasion which should be harmonious.
peaceful and cordial. that they cannot bc
..uoled
4 Dr.. you II understand that am net
conscious ~ ann act of mine which should
make me-. fear tp meet the Grand Army ~
tAc Republic. or any other assembling, ~
nv fellow citizens. The account OF my
official stewardship = always ready for
presentation in my coun'rymrH. should
not h, frank II failed io confess. while
+ li>claimjn. all resentment. that lad Been
hurt nv the unworthy and wautan attacks
npon Ill CROWN. out Il this matter ana
the reckless manner ia which my actions
and motives have been represented
both publicly and privately. for which.
however the Grand Army of the Republic
. H. "a body j. hv no means responsible.
Tia, threats Of personal violence and
harm III cas-, ! undertake III, trip IN gHo~
ton. which scores II misguided. un'Al
aucra men, under the >timulatipn~ - eN-
cited feeling havc made. are not even con
~id,rcl
Rather than abandon my visit t" TIA,
West and di>appuin, Your citizens
ui- hf Il alone were concerned. submit
to The insult 10 which Il j. quite openly
asserted ! would he hclpic~~ly >nhJrgi"'
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